Goals and aspirations: “I have a clear goal to achieve expertise in chemistry that can make me able to produce such drugs which are important for the treatment of cureless [sic] diseases, ie AIDS, ichthyosis.”

Goals and aspirations:"I aspire to spend every day of my life helping others. My career goal is to become a pediatric dermatologist that can help others with rare skin diseases and encourage them to persevere."

Goals and aspirations:“I look forward to teaching or working with students in whatever setting God calls me to. I can use a degree in education as a teacher in the classroom as well as a youth leader at a church. Either way, I hope to be able to use what I have learned to encourage students and let them know they are all special in God's eyes and each one can learn in their own special way.”

Goals and aspirations:“I want to be the best nurse I can possibly be for my patients. I want to work in the places that are most in need around the world and improve access to healthcare for women and children.”

Goals and aspirations: “I would like to earn degrees in Human Physiology and Chinese at the U of O and then continue to medical school where I would like to pursue a career as a pediatrician or a dermatologist. “

UFIRST SCHOLARS was established in 2010 with a seed gift from Valerie & David Scholl. The Scholls are grandparents to an affected granddaughter and wanted to provide an opportunity for affected students to advance their post-secondary education in partnership with FIRST. Their inspiration is to provide the opportunity for students affected with a form of ichthyosis to achieve their highest educational potential. Donations are graciously accepted to help grow the fund.

Applications are made available on February 1st of each year. Applications may be downloaded from FIRST’s website. Completed applications are due in March, with a specific deadline announced each year. Scholarship recipients are announced in May.

A committee of volunteers evaluates each scholarship application. The applications are scored using the following six criteria: